DoD News

News Article

ISAF, Karzai Condemn Kabul Suicide Attack

WASHINGTON, Jan. 28, 2011  International Security Assistance Force officials joined Afghan President Hamid Karzai in condemning a suicide-bomb attack that killed several civilians in the country’s capital of Kabul, military officials reported.

Reports indicate that a suicide bomber detonated an explosive inside a grocery store near the center of the city. At least nine Afghan and international civilians were killed, and at least six more were wounded, according to news reports.

“We join President Karzai in condemning this despicable attack and its complete disregard for human life,” ISAF spokesman Navy Rear Adm. Vic Beck said. “This attack intentionally targeted civilians as the detonation occurred in a public location where innocent men, women and children were likely to gather. We extend our deepest condolences to those families who have lost loved ones, and we pray for a quick recovery for those injured in this senseless attack.”

-- Afghan and coalition forces killed an insurgent and detained three others Jan. 26 during a patrol seeking to break up a bombing cell that operates in Uruzgan and northern Kandahar provinces. Acting on multiple intelligence reports, the patrol moved to a compound where they were engaged by heavy small-arms fire and a rocket-propelled grenade. The patrol was unable to return fire and called in coalition air support, which fired on the insurgents.

-- In Nimroz province’s Khash Rod district Jan. 25, Afghan and coalition forces detained a Taliban leader who supplied weapons and explosives to the insurgency.

-- Security forces in Kandahar province detained a Taliban leader Jan. 23. He was responsible for planning and executing attacks against coalition forces and was associated with other Taliban leaders in the province.

-- On Jan. 22, Afghan police, supported by coalition troops, cleared an area of Helmand province of insurgents, killing at least five hard-line fighters based there.